Longstanding staff member Kelly Buttriss shares a few ‘home truths’ about her 25 years at TRADELINK and an insight into now working in these unprecedented times;

Kelly is one of our longest serving employees at TRADELINK successfully fulfilling many challenging and technical roles whilst gaining a wealth of Company ‘know-how’ and expertise along the way.  Kelly’s input today provides a strong connection with both the TRADELINK supply chain and our own production facilities – a greatly valued asset.

What is your current role at TRADELINK?

By definition, my current title is Operations Support Manager, my main responsibilities centre largely around materials purchasing and providing continuity with planned production.

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

That really is quite simple to answer; I just love my job! The people I work with, and the different challenges that each day presents certainly makes for variety – one thing I thoroughly enjoy.

What has changed most at TRADELINK post lockdown?

Being one of the initial team back to work post lockdown, obviously the new ‘safe-policy’ has meant extra vigilance by all staff. A greater emphasis on daily telephone conference calls instead of face to face meetings has now become the new-normal.

What is the most demanding part of your current role?

Understanding new restrictions that our supply chain are working with is definitely demanding. With new limitations imposed on TRADELINK a whole new message to our customer network has had to evolve with the need for constant communication and updating from our supply chain.

What has been your favourite project so far?

The next one! Joking aside, in the last 25 years I have been involved in so many projects that I consider them all as favourites.

What is the best thing about your job?

Having worked with the original Directors and Management Team for so long makes me feel part of the TRADELINK Team. Being involved with the growth of the Company and contributing to its success provides me with a proud sense of achievement, and not just a Job.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

Some Nineteen-plus years ago, I turned up for work pregnant, rolling the clock forwards to today, my Daughter Kaylea is now working as an order processor in our main office. Thanks Mum!

Who inspires you, and why?

It’s true to say that both my parents and grandparents all came from hard-working backgrounds and have given me strong values. I worked for my Dad as a youngster helping on his window cleaning round, he would pay me at the end of the week as agreed, and then take most of it back as rent & keep.

And lastly, remembering a fun moment post lockdown, make us all smile?

Straight after the easing of lockdown and with just 9 staff back in the main office, the atmosphere was pretty strange in comparison with the usual ‘buzz’. We decided that Friday lunchtime was a good time to bring our small ‘team’ together. This quickly became an important moment in the week for us all to look forward to, along with a great excuse for a socially distanced take-away treat!

A big THANK-YOU to Kelly from all the Team at TRADELINK